KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Independence Police Department said a 23-year-old person of interest is in custody after a 2-year-old was killed after handling a gun Friday.
The shooting took place at the 500 block of South Glenwood in Independence.
Investigators say the gun was in the possession of the 2-year-old when it was fired.
The victim died from injuries after being taken to a nearby hospital.
An adult in the house fled the scene after the gun was discharged.
According to the Associated Press, the Douglas County Sheriff's Office said the person of interest was given a ride to Nebraska and planned to meet someone at a restaurant Friday in Omaha. Officers were waiting for the man after receiving a tip.
Douglas County Chief Deputy Wayne Hudson said the man was charged with theft in Nebraska for attempting to break in to a pickup truck when he was arrested. The Associated Press reported that the sheriff's office is working with investigators in Missouri.
IPD said the suspect will be extradited back to Jackson County.
This is a developing story and may be updated.
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